Castaway Stars, Imaging the Cosmic Web, and the October 14th Annular Eclipse

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Read news from the world of astronomy for the week of October 6, 2023.

This week, we're gearing up for the annular eclipse on October 14th. Plus, astronomers found stars streaming out of two smaller galaxies that orbit the Milky Way. And "Planet X" may have left our solar system billions of years ago.

Latest News

Astronomers Find Stars Cast Away from Galactic Neighbors

Scientists have found stars accompanying the gas streaming from two smaller galaxies that orbit our Milky Way.

The Bright BlueWalker 3 Satellite Threatens Astronomy

The bright BlueWalker 3 satellite, a prototype for the even larger Bluebird satellites, is one of the brightest objects in the sky.

“Planet X” May Have Left Our Solar System Billions of Years Ago

A new understanding of far-off worlds in the outer solar system suggests that if “Planet X” ever existed, it has long since left the vicinity.

In a First, Astronomers Directly Image the Cosmic Web

Astronomers have directly imaged emission from the cosmic web, the filamentary structure that underlies the universe.

Observing Highlights

This Week's Sky at a Glance, October 6 – 15

Arcturus shines in the west as twilight fades away. Up really late tonight? The Moon, just past last quarter, rises around midnight. Once it's well up in the early morning hours, you'll see that it's keeping company with Castor and Pollux.

Comet-103P-Hartley-Sept-7-Dan-Bartlett-S image

Comet Hartley Comes Home Again; Gegenschein-gazing

Get acquainted with Comet 103P/Hartley. It’s been a dozen years since its last bright apparition. While you’re at it challenge yourself to spot the elusive gegenschein.

DIY Weather Forecast for the October 14th Eclipse

The October annular eclipse is coming up, and the most important requirement will be clear skies. Here’s how to forecast the weather.

The History of Baily’s Brilliant Beads

Discover the observations of astronomer Francis Baily as he watched sunlight bead along the lunar limb during an 1836 annular eclipse.

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks Flares Again!

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks has awakened again from its recent slumbers with a fresh outburst. It’s now bright enough to see in a modest telescope.

Jupiter & Saturn Dance at Dusk

This month’s big celestial news might be the annular solar eclipse that will be seen in the Americas, but everyone can share the fun of casual stargazing by downloading October’s Sky Tour astronomy podcast.

AAVSO Annual Meeting

The 112th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Variable Star Observers is returning to Assembly Square! The weekend event opens with a reception and guest speaker on Friday evening, followed by two days of programming, including the Landolt Lecture, keynote speakers, research presentations, and the Membership Meeting. The conference closes with a banquet on Sunday evening.